"I commend them for joining mainstream, abjuring violence": Union Home Minister Amit Shah over surrender of 21 Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Kanker

Kanker (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 28 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed happiness over the surrender of 21 Maoists along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh.
In a post on X, Home Minister Shah said, "Glad to share that 21 Maoists have surrendered along with their arms in Kanker district, Chhattisgarh. Out of them, 13 were senior cadres. I commend them for joining the mainstream, abjuring violence at the call of the Modi government. I reiterate my appeal to the rest who are still wielding guns to surrender at the earliest. We are resolved to eradicate Naxalism by 31st March 2026."
A total of 21 Maoist cadres, including 13 women, surrendered with 18 weapons in the Kanker district on Sunday, Bastar Inspector General P Sundarraj said.
The cadres were part of the Kuemari/Kiskodo Area Committee of Keshkal Division (North Sub Zonal Bureau), he said.
According to the senior police official, four Division Committee Members, including Division Committee Secretary Mukesh, nine Area Committee Members and eight party members are among the 21 cadres who have joined the mainstream.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that the "backbone of Naxalism is broken" after 21 Maoist cadres, including 13 women, surrendered in the Kanker district.
Calling it a success of the 'Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy', the Chief Minister said that the "misled" youth is beginning to choose the path of development.
CM Sai reiterated the government's aim to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026. (ANI)